Saturday, Febuary 28th

Twins 5 Yankees 4

Twins 3-0

• Scott Baker made his first start of the season and was not very impressive giving up 3 runs in 2 innings of work. I am not concerned at all about the start because it was his first game of the year and he is just getting into form. He will be ready to go on April 6th.
• Jason Kubel hit his first homerun of the spring yesterday. I really think Kubel is just coming into his own at the plate and will be a big contributer this season.
• Danny Valencia had an up and down day for the Twins. He had 2 more hits, but had a key error that got the Yankees within 1, however he finished the game with a nice play on a slow grounder to finish the Twins win. I think Valencia will hit no matter where he plays the key is how good his defense is because the Twins don't put up with a lot of errors. I think he will be fine, but its something to keep track of.
• Today the Twins travel to Tampa to take on the Yankees in the home and home series. Francisco "The Francise" Liriano gets his first spring start against the yankees. Joba Chamberlain gets the start for the Yankees. Gametime is at noon, however I wouldn't look for the twins to bring very many starters to the game so it should be interesting to see how the prospects do today

Opening day Roster

Here is my projection for the opening day roster. I expect that they are going to keep 12 pitchers and 13 position players. There is a possibility that they could keep 11 pitchers and 14 position players but i really don't expect it.

C- Joe Mauer- If he stays healthy probably will win 3rd batting title.
1b- Justin Mourneau- will try to get his homerun total back over 30
2b- Alexi Casilla- will try to show last year was not a fluke
SS- Nick Punto- will try to hit enough to keep his defense in the game
3b- Joe Crede- if healthy will hit enough to help the team
Lf- Denard Span- hoping to avoid the sophmore slump
CF- Carlos Gomez- needs to improve plate discipline to improve
RF- Michael Cuddyer- needs to stay healthy
DH- Jason Kubel- hopes to build on best year of career last season

Reserves
Mike Redmond- one of best backup catchers in the game
Delmon Young- will play alot and hoping he improves his power numbers.
Brenden Harris- will be utility guy who can play 2nd,3rd, and short
Brian Buscher- big bat off bench who will be backup at 3rd and 1st.


Pitchers
1. Scott Baker- needs to stay healthy whole year and could win 15 games
2. Francisco Liriano- sky is the limit for him if he stays healthy
3. Kevin Slowey- I was wrong about him he will be most consistant
4. Glen Perkins- I look for him to make the biggest jump
5. Nick Blackburn- Mr. Consistancy that needs to keep ball down

Bullpen
Joe Nathan- Best closer in game needs to rebound from tough second half last year.
Luis Ayala- I really think he will rebound this year and be top setup guy.
Jesse Crain- will be inconsistant like usual
Matt Guerrier- will be good if not used to much
Jose Mijares- I look for him to be the late inning lefty and be dominant
Craig Breslow- very solid and will contribute just like last year.
Philip Humber- very tenuous at best but probably will make it cause he is out of options.

If Twins keep 11 pitchers Matt Tolbert makes the team either Jose Mijares or Philip Humber does not make the team. However, I would be very surprised if they don't keep 12 pitchers. Let me know what you think